Effective Erectile Dysfunction Treatments and Lifestyle Changes for Australian Men 60+ in 2025

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects a significant proportion of Australian men over the age of 60, with 40% experiencing symptoms in their 60s and the prevalence rising to 77% in men over 75, often impacting their quality of life, relationships, and emotional well-being significantly.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction in Older Men

Erection is a complex neurovascular process that depends on healthy blood flow, nerve function, and hormonal balance. Among men over 60, the most common underlying cause is vascular disease, particularly arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries), which reduces blood supply to the penis.

Contributing factors include:

Chronic illnesses: Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
Neurological conditions: Spinal cord injuries, neurodegenerative diseases.
Medications: Side effects from blood pressure, antidepressant, or prostate drugs.
Hormonal changes: Low testosterone (hypogonadism) can reduce libido and indirectly impact erectile function.
Structural issues: Conditions like Peyronie’s disease, causing penile curvature.

Importantly, ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, so medical evaluation is strongly recommended.

Lifestyle Changes: The Foundation of ED Care

Lifestyle modifications are the first step in improving erectile function and overall health. Evidence shows they can significantly reduce ED severity.

Key changes include:

Exercise: Improves cardiovascular health, promotes weight control, and enhances blood flow.
Quit smoking and vaping: Nicotine damages blood vessels and worsens circulation.
Limit alcohol: Excess intake disrupts hormone balance and performance.
Weight management: About 30% of obese men report improved erections after weight loss.
Manage chronic conditions: Proper control of diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol supports vascular and nerve health.
Mental health support: Stress, anxiety, and depression contribute to ED. Relaxation, therapy, and social engagement can help.

These steps not only improve sexual function but also reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.

Medical Treatments: PDE5 Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) remain the most common medical option. Drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) improve blood flow by enhancing nitric oxide pathways.

Key considerations:

Effectiveness and safety: Proven in men with conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
Dosing: Older men may require adjusted doses to avoid side effects.
Contraindications: Not suitable for men using nitrates or with unstable cardiovascular disease.
Patient preferences: Treatment success often depends on aligning with personal expectations.

When used appropriately, PDE5i significantly improve erectile function and quality of life.

Additional Therapies for Refractory ED

If PDE5i are ineffective or unsuitable, other therapies include:

Intracavernosal injections (ICI): Direct penile injections (e.g., alprostadil) achieve high satisfaction rates, especially in neurogenic ED.
Vacuum erection devices: Non-invasive mechanical pumps that draw blood into the penis, sometimes combined with rings for maintenance.
Penile prostheses: Surgically implanted devices offering permanent solutions for severe or treatment-resistant ED, with high patient and partner satisfaction.

Specialist guidance is essential to select the right option.

Psychosexual Support and Partner Involvement

ED is not purely physical—it also has emotional and relational dimensions. Psychological and partner support can significantly improve outcomes.

Counselling or therapy can help:

Reduce anxiety and performance pressure.
Address relationship concerns.
Improve communication between partners.
Encourage adherence to lifestyle and treatment plans.

An integrated approach—medical plus psychological—tends to deliver the best results.

Accessing ED Care in Australia (2025)

Australian men now have multiple pathways to care:

Telehealth consultations: Online services allow discreet access to licensed doctors and prescription treatments.
Home delivery of medication: Ensures convenience and privacy.
Ongoing follow-up: Regular reviews help fine-tune treatment and monitor health.
GP coordination: GPs can arrange tests, manage risks, prescribe therapies, and refer to specialists.

These systems improve accessibility and continuity of care for older men.

Current Research and Future Directions

Recent research highlights how age-related tissue changes affect erectile function, such as reductions in fibroblasts and vascular responsiveness.

Emerging experimental therapies include:

Shockwave therapy – under study for vascular improvement.
Stem cell therapies – still early-stage and not part of routine practice.
Molecular targets (e.g., Notch signalling, collagen pathways) – currently experimental, with future potential.

While promising, these remain unavailable in standard care and require further trials.

Summary

Erectile dysfunction among Australian men over 60 is common but treatable. Effective management in 2025 includes:

Lifestyle changes for cardiovascular and metabolic health.
PDE5 inhibitors under medical supervision as first-line therapy.
Second-line options like injections, devices, or prostheses if needed.
Psychosexual counselling and partner involvement.
Improved access through telehealth and home delivery services.
Continued monitoring of underlying conditions and cardiovascular risks.

This holistic approach helps restore sexual function, improve relationships, and support overall well-being.

Sources

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